Rio Tinto strongly condemns the allegations published on August 19, 2024. in the article "An open letter from scientist Aleksandar Matković to Rio Tinto and the German Embassy" in which the author implicitly acuses the company stating "in this letter I also ask the company on whose behalf I have received deth threths several times.".

Rio Tinto strongly condemns any direct or implied threats of violence, online or elsewhere, against those participating in the debate about the Jadar Project including Mr. Matković.

Rio Tinto strongly condemns false and baseless implied accusation that the company has incited violence or made threats against Mr. Matković. That is untrue and one of the many disinformation.

We strongly believe that everyone should be able to voice their opinion regardless if they support or oppose the project. Freedom to voice an opinion regardless if it is for or against the project is essential for the much needed, fact-based scientific and public debate.

The company has repeatedly called for a fact-based dialogue about the Jadar Project so it can be considered on its merits and not on the basis of the ongoing disinformation campaign against the project.

Rio Tinto employees and others that have remained neutral or have advocated for the Jadar Project have received death threats, been subject to online intimidation and abuse, and been accused of being traitors to Serbia. They have also faced direct threats to their families. The company has warned on multiple occasions that the reckless and repeated disinformation of the project lacking any supporting evidence have caused unjustifiable concern and intentionally misled the Serbian public.

We will continue to use all available legal means to protect our employees and the company’s reputation.